About Demodex

Demodex brevis are tiny mites that live in the oil glands of hair follicles (especially our eyelashes and nipples) and are usually completely harmless causing no symptoms. However, if the numbers increase they can lead to symptoms such as:

• red skin
• a rough texture to the skin, like sandpaper
• a burning sensation in the skin
• irritation around the eyelids

This can cause or aggravate blepharitis, ocular rosacea, meibomian gland dysfunction and chalazia (blocked eyelid glands).  A Demodex infestation is an often overlooked cause of eye inflammation which could be the root of tougher blepharitis cases. 

Treatment

Demodex mites can be treated using special drops, gels, foams, sprays or wipes that contain tea-tree (melaleuca) oil, manuka honey or hypochlorous acid. As a result, some people find that their blepharitis and dry, sore eyes improve too. 

• Anti-microbials to reduce eyelid inflammation from Demodex mites
  • Manuka honey drops or gel
  • Tea tree oil lid cleansers and wipes
  • Hypochlorous sprays

The problem with these is that they can be irritating to the skin and eyes, especially in the concentrations need to kill Demodex mites.

For example, most commercially available tea tree oil products have concentrations of less than 1%. 

Research has shown that the active ingredient in tea-tree oil that actually kills Demodex mites is 4-terpineol (or terpinen-4-ol).

As a result, there are now several products available that contain this extract which can be at a higher concentration (typically 2.5%-5%);

• • BlephaDemodex wipes
  • Demex foaming cleanser